Technology is a miracle...especially when you have a daughter away at college.

As each day goes by with three kids keeping me busy, and entertained having Sierra away at college gets easier and easier...with time. I miss her, and there are so many times I wish she was here with us to join in on the fun when we go on road trips, long drives, watching movies together, and our late night talks. I especially miss her playing me some Muse, and Downton Abbey on the piano, but I know that she is where she needs to be. 

I know for a fact that she loves being surrounded by mountains, having fun going to school, shopping with grandma & Aunt Emily, playing with cousins, eating at In and Out Burger (jelly), finally working to learn more responsibility, and without talking too much about her personal life (that's what her personal blog is for)...having a boyfriend. Wait...did I just say the B word? Boyfriend! And I'm okay with it? Wow! Seriously though...I look back on the day she asked her father and I if she could have a relationship with a boy so she could experience how it would feel like to have a boyfriend. Her dad and I were like, "what cliff did you fall off from, and why do you feel you must have a boyfriend?" There is absolutely nothing that states in the For the Strength of Youth handbook that indicates, "Must experience an exclusive relationship with the opposite sex." I don't think so. After learning how kids should start to date at the age of 16, I personally feel that kids under the age of 18 should not have any serious relationships. None. Nada. Why you may ask? Because at the age of 12, 14, 16, & even 18 they are way too young to experience such motions in which they may not be ready to handle. Relationships are tough especially at such a young age. Gosh...I wish I would have known all about the double dating rule at 16, and in not having serious relationships in high school back in my day. It could have saved me a lot of heartache, but I would never take anything back. Anything! Everything that I endured, and learned about boys, partying, and all that other dumb stuff in my teen years has made me the strong woman, and mother I am today. Especially when it comes to raising daughters. 

This is when technology is a miracle, and the social media guard is not needed! haha! We read scriptures as a family via Skype the other day, and have decided to trrrryyyyyy to do that on the days she's not working or not too busy with homework, (or Nicholas). It'll be challenge being that there's a two hour difference between us, but we'll certainly try to keep her included. 

^^^ skyping rules ^^^

^^^ FaceTime is a miracle! ^^^

Skyping with Sierra the other day was bliss, and she's definitely maturing. Kids nowadays need to go through some pretty rough patches in order to learn lessons, and grow both mentally and spiritually. I would never wish any of my kids to experience the hurt, and heartache I went through at a young age, but if the Lord puts anything in their path that is hard in order for them to learn, and grow from...so be it. I know from experience that going through some rough patches helps us to become firm, and strong in our testimony with God, and makes us a better person.

I know that Sierra is in good hands living with her grandparents in Utah, and having met Nicholas (the boyfriend) has really helped her in understanding everything that she has learned since the new year began. I'm telling you...there are certain returned missionaries out there who really are mature, and Nicholas sounds like good people to me. Funny thing though...he told Sierra that he is actually learning a lot from her, and she is three years younger than him! 

I am so grateful that she is in such good hands right now. She has been blessed with great things...being closer to family, a job, attending college, great friends that remembered her since she was eight. She's pretty lucky, and so is everyone who gets to meet her. Like I said before... if you didn't get to know her while she was living in Jersey, or gave her a chance in friendship you missed out.

^^^ photo via Sierra's instagram ^^^

What a gal...I sure am proud of her, and all the choices she has made in order for her to find her place in this world. 

We love and miss you Sierra! xo 

Geno's on a cold day in Philly.

I have been really surprising myself lately by getting up in the morning, and getting ready for the day to snap out of the "winter blues" because lets be honest...as much as I love the snow I'm pretty much ready for spring! The winter blues can be a battle for most people, but I refuse to let any winter bring me down! I don't allow it to get the best of me by just lounging around in the house feeling melancholy. Noah truly is my motivator when it comes to the outdoors, and that is a plus when you have a very active boy. Sometimes we need a break from the monotony of being cooped up in the house watching movies, playing games, and getting away from the computer to spend quality time with our son. 

It had been a long time since we had a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich...since like last summer when the above photo was taken. I never blogged about it then because see...and to be honest with you, it's not my favorite type of sandwich, but I know how much the hubs loves them and we decided to go to the one and only Geno's in Philly to satisfy our tummies. Cheesesteak sandwiches are definitely Philadelphia's comfort food, but not mine. I ended up having a pork sandwich. We were lucky to have not stood in line for a long time to get served, and even luckier to have parked right across the street where there was a nearby playground.

Noah definitely needed to let out some energy, and it didn't matter that it was 30 degrees outside. I personally have gotten used to the cold, and if you're bundled up with the right attire then you won't have a problem throughout the winter. 

Still...I am so ready for spring. It was nice having the park all to ourselves, but then I can see how Noah's reaction changes every time he sees another child entering the playground. I knew then at that moment how much he longed to play with another small person. 

Playgrounds in Philly are pretty much all the same. Spiced up with murals, and painted benches. This park was very convenient for the fact that it was right across the street from Geno's. Noah noticed the painted hands, and the heart on these benches. 

There are also some weird gadgets, but we managed to have fun on this twirly thingamajiggy, and Noah seemed to have enjoyed it.

The month of March has been treating us fairly, and in spite of all the hardships or "bad days" that we face seeking joy, and focusing on what makes our children happy is all that matters. Harsh winters doesn't stop me from the fact that I love spending time with this little guy, and my love for playgrounds in the city just keeps growing and growing. 

Happy weekend to you! 

Finding my identity through Christ.

Identity...what does that really mean anyway. 

Some of us may never know what it means to find ourselves, or find ourself or "true identity". This is something that I hear very often among the youth everywhere, but especially in the church I attend, and I think it's because the teenage years are the hardest years to find out who they truly are, and why they are really here. 

I personally have never understood that until I found my own identity. Teaching my children true principles of the Gospel, and the church we attend helps them figure out their place in this world, and with our help can give them an understanding as to who they are, and where they come from. I know that our example, and by seeking guidance from the Spirit, and praying to God can help them find their own identity. Throughout the years of raising my firstborn who is now 18, and seeing her go through the actions, and possible motions of who she is becoming as well as what she endured to get to where she's at today makes me one proud mama. 

I saw Sierra growing up spiritually, and building her testimony as she attended church services, and various activities. Bearing her testimony on her own motive. Sharing her beliefs with others without me telling her to. I have never, ever stood up with her at the pulpit to help her bear witness that Jesus is the Christ and that the church she is being raised in is true. Having the desire to attend all youth church activities was from her heart...not mine. I have to say I have never struggled with her in finding out who she is. I never had to coddle her too much, but if she had an issue or problem in relation to church or school, I was always there to talk, and listen. 

I asked Lexie the other day if she knew who she 'really' was. She said she knows she's a daughter of God, and that she is here to learn. Yet she's 14, and even though I feel she has a good head on her shoulders, she's bound to be tested. However, I feel that she herself truly knows that she's a daughter of God, and that she has Heavenly Father who is there for her no matter what. Knowing that my two oldest daughters have found their identity through Christ puts me at ease, and helps me to live less stressfully in a high strung world.

Finding our true identity whether at the age of 14, 16, 20, or 40 definitely bring us a clear picture in the life that we live. Once we get it, and I mean really get it everything will make sense to us & we'll have so much confidence within ourselves that no matter what trials come our way we'll be strong enough to fight them & make it through. 

I know this because like my daughters...I also had to find my own identity. And I found it at the age of 20.

Once I found my true self in knowing who I am, where I came from, & why I'm here living out my years in this mortal life I became more self confident, happy, and was dying to share my excitement. After all the shame that I felt of the things that I did as a teenager, and what happened to me as a young girl...I was lost, and had no idea why I was even living this life. Wondering why this happened to me, and why God would allow 'bad' things to happen to such an innocent little girl. It took years of healing and thoughts of believing that I was 'damaged goods' to leave my mind. The difference between my and my girls while finding our true identity is that I didn't have the tools that they have now. Scriptures, two parents, values, morals, and The Lord. Once I got baptized I literally wanted to shout it from the rooftops to the entire world and say, "I truly am a daughter of God & man does it feel good to finally know that at the age of 20! God really loves me...he really does love me!"

I know at one point every one of us has been lost with our identity including my husband, my daughters at some point, and everyone who in some shape or form has struggled with finding out who they are, why bad things happen to us, and where we came from.

I endured so much heartache in trying to understand who I am, why I'm here, and what my purpose in this life was. I was tired of living a life of being a 'wanna be', of hurting myself, and having morbid thoughts of how it would be to just leave this life. I often wondered how it would feel to just live a life somewhere else. I guess that's probably why I did so much soul searching by investigating every religion that was out there, and spending time in various states to find out what I really wanted. Is it going to be different if I move here. Is the grass going to be greener if I live there. If I live with my sister in Florida will the pains from my past go away. No, no, and no. 

Watching commercials from the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints practically airing 24/7 gave me the will & courage to call that 800 number. Then I'd feel it again on days where sadness, and loneliness would kick in. As if some special 'being' was standing right beside me telling me to pour that quart of bud light down the drain. Your mother does care...she just doesn't know how to show it. You don't need it. You don't need it to belong. You don't need it to fulfill your life. You don't need it to make you tough and strong. You don't need it to forget what happened to you. You don't...you just don't. Slowly but surely I began to listen to that special 'being'. I began to see that maybe this so called video will help me realize the purpose of my life, and possibly answer those questions. 

And it did with help from the missionaries. After so many attempts of feeling that nudge on my shoulder I finally called to order this specific video, and let me tell you something...It forever has changed my life! Still...it wasn't that easy. Giving my life to Christ was just the beginning. 

I had to go back to the place where I felt lost as a young teen to face reality, and the demons that were unable to set me free from the pain I endured, but I had to make the choice to want it. To want to change, to want to listen, and I mean really listen. And that desire of wanting it was passionately burning inside of me. After months of stubbornness, I had a change of heart & finally made it out of that dark cloud of confusion that was hovering over me for so long. My life was saved, but even afterwards escaping adversity never ceased. And that's okay. As long as I have the love from my Father in Heaven, and the tools I have to keep me firm in His love, along with the gospel- I can overcome anything. 

I am extremely thankful for seeking out the spirit in helping me deal with all those emotions from long ago, and for helping me change my life at the age of 20. I am grateful for the calling that I have in the Stake Young Women. I look forward to taking the time to know the girls. I know a few already, and hope that for those who may feel lost, alone, with dark clouds hovering over them that one day they'll see the beauty that's inside of them. I hope that they'll come to the realization that no matter how hard life gets, how rough times at school are that they'll know there's a reason for them being here, why we have to go through certain trials, and why we long for them to give God a chance in helping them know that He is always there for them. Ready and willing to listen. 

As a teen I always wondered how can this supreme being whom I've never met possibly know what I'm going through. And then I remember the time when I was little and how my mom was so desperate in keeping us faithful by going to church on Sundays, and watching Jesus movies. Unfortunately that didnt last. One thing I'll always remember is the love I felt for Jesus. Every time I saw a picture of him in my catechism book I would always wish (not pray) that He would save me. I have to say that one spark of memory helped me to know that Jesus is always watching over us. I just had to let him in, and when I finally allowed Him back into my life at the age of 20 I felt like a little child again. It truly was the greatest feeling being cleansed from my past, and to have forgiveness in my heart towards those who wronged me. 

So to all the young women out there who may be reading this... 

You have something so special that I didn't have while growing up. Values that I wasn't taught or raised with. The gospel of Jesus Christ that helps you find answers to your prayers, and a loving Heavenly Father that loves you. Give your leaders a chance to help motivate, and encourage you to know that there is that eternal light, that special 'being' that is always watching over you to let you know that life can be good, that we can find our true identity. And when we do, I promise that you'll be able to endure any trial that comes your way, and that all will be well. 

All you have to do is pray your heart out, listen, & know that He is always there. 

"If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the hardest as well as the easiest times in life can be a blessing. In all conditions, we can choose the right with the guidance of the Spirit. 
The Savior has [even] promised angels on our left and our right to bear us up. 
And He always keeps His word."
 ~Henry B. Eyring

Son of God: Reasons why I love movies about the Savior.

Ever since I was a little girl I remember my mother practically forcing my sister and I to sit down & watch The Ten Commandments with the iconic Charleston Heston. As if watching this movie from 1956 was going to teach us some kind of lesson, and help us grow spiritually. Funny thing is that I actually found that movie very interesting & inspiring. Growing up as a catholic I remembered having to memorize all sorts of prayers including the ten commandments. Now that I am older I have learned that there are more than just ten. Today...I thank my mom for all the times she would have us sit in front of the tv every time that movie would air during Easter weekend.

My love for Jesus grew as my mother tried her best to keep us on the right path. I developed a strong love for Jesus, and every time there was a movie airing about him I was always eager to watch it...without force. As I entered the double digits, and endured the trials I faced throughout my childhood I began searching for that light of Christ that I once remembered as a seven year old girl. I wanted to encounter and investigate every single church that worshipped the Lord. That was the beginning of humbling myself as a tween hoping that by going to church, and learning more about the Lord just as I did about Moses in the ten commandments would somehow help me, and those who were hurting me both physically & emotionally. The difference then is that when I was a small child I had my eyes wide open, and a mind that was willing to be focused on learning more about Jesus...specifically to save me through my trying times. 

For some of us it's a lot different when we get older. Some of us drift away, and take for granted the things that are taught to us by our parents about God. Then there are those who have gone through so much crap in their life that we are eager, and willing to "find ourselves" and seek that light of happiness. 

I eventually chose the latter...at the age of 16.

As I reached my teens I was still feeling lost, and afraid. Wondering why people were so mean to me. I wondered sometimes what I did to deserve such hateful treatment. I never wanted to blame my childhood as to why I did the things I did, but as hard as it was seeing some of my friends treating me so harsh I couldn't comprehend, and I wanted to die. Then again...I'm a girl. And sometimes girls at the age of 16 have a boyfriend. And with boyfriends at a young age comes heartache and drama. And with drama comes heartache, and with heartache comes severed friendships and relationships with both guys and girls.

Now that I am older with a family of my own raising four children of which two are teenage girls I am wiser in the advice I give them. The fact that they are being raised with a foundation of God helps me to become strong, and I am not afraid anymore. Reading this lovely post today written from my oldest daughter tells me that I did something right. And even though she had to learn things for herself on her own motive...she is on the right path to having eternal life.

I love sharing my thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. I am forgiving, kind, and love anyone who has ever harmed me in my past, last year, yesterday & today. It is not my place to judge but God's. The fact that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints puts me at ease knowing that I have the truthfulness of the gospel to share with others, and that puts a huge smile on my face. I chose to follow Christ, be baptized, and to remember my sins no more. That's what He wanted me to do. That's what He wants all of us to do.

Watching the Son of God this past weekend three times was humbling, and like attending the temple gave me an extra boost of energy knowing that I can always do good. I practically sobbed throughout the entire movie all the while saying to myself, I want to be just like Him. I want to turn the other cheek when someone says something hurtful, or rude. I want to have his patience, his courage, his faith, his deep, deep unconditional love. I want to have his sincerity, and obedience in always doing good. Not cursing, thinking evil thoughts, or saying anything inappropriate to anyone.  I personally felt the spirit knowing that each day I have a choice to be like Him, and I can. And although I think I'm pretty close to being like Him...I am sooooo far from it. 

Everything about him is so perfect. I cried when he spared the adulteress in being stoned to death. I cried when Judah betrayed him. I cried when Peter denied him three times after he was sentenced to death. I cried when Jesus Christ walked up a steep hill holding the cross while being whipped after he already had been given 40 lashes. His perseverance, and the strength that he had was amazing. And when he said, "With God all things are possible" I cried even more, because that sentiment is so true. His heart was filled with the most unconditional love you can ever imagine, and the fact that he had such a forgiving heart to those that betrayed him helps me even more to always, always love, forgive, and strive to sin no more.

There was not one dry eye in the audience and people clapping their hands at the end of the movie was proof enough that this movie was beautifully, and eloquently done. Proof enough that even though those that saw this movie will walk out as imperfect as I am hopefully knowing that we can change, will start now to follow Christ's teachings, and do better.

And so today I move forward. Each day is a new day. A chance for a do-over. A chance to do better today than I did yesterday. I will strive to be forever on that path. Striving and seeking the good in many ways. Striving to choose good over evil. 

I love watching anything about the history of the world, current events, but most of all the Savior and his apostles. My life has changed immensely because of Him. I am not a perfect person, nor will I ever be, but reading about what Jesus went through in order for me to experience this thing called "life" gives me the courage to follow him in righteousness, and fight the adversary.

After all... "He is the way, the truth, and the life."

**all photos via google.

my life lately without the "social media guard"

Okay. So I saw this coke commercial the other day & I  personally think that anyone who doesn't have a smartphone clearly doesn't understand what it feels like to really have a smartphone, and if they do well then they really don't know how to put it to use like I do. I love my family, and the fact that I am a stay at home to one child at the moment (who is my only son) I really put that smartphone to use. Especially when it comes to capturing the moments. Notice that I wrote capturing moments instead of taking pictures. There's a reason why I "capture the moments" of the places we've been, the food we eat (or make), places we eat, the things we do with our kids, sleeping, and the way they eat a particular kind of food. It's called memories, and they are ours.

I mean...just look at my overused Instagram account. 

I personally think that the commercial is somewhat over exaggerated...at least for me. Sure I think there are a lot of us out there particularly the "younger" crowd who are addicted in constantly taking photos of every little thing, but I'm not on my phone the entire time we are out on a date, family outing, or enjoying the comforts in my own home. Besides...I don't have any pets to take pictures of getting out of the box! LOL!

I have will power, & know when enough is enough. I have balance & there are times when I don't even "capture the moments." I'm too busy having fun living in the moment that I don't need a "social media guard" thingy around my neck to get off the phone and notice my surroundings including the people I'm with! 

While I got a good laugh over this video & the fact I am a coke drinker (it has to be the Mexican kind) made it better, and it's all good. And to prove to you that having a smartphone at that moment is an advantage so that you can post it right away for your loved ones to see, I've posted a few of those memories here. I am grateful for that instant gratification when it comes to technology in capturing these moments, and I'm not ashamed to say that I LOVE to take pictures...I mean capture the moments! 

After all...all of this is being written, and photographed for my posterity!

And now the iPhone photos...

no winter woes...just happy snow.

I have to admit after the warm weekend we just had the spring bug really got to me. I  literally began cleaning up the house & got a headstart on some spring cleaning & were not even in March yet. I got the girls to do their part in helping out. I even began to take out some of my spring clothes & folded all of my winter scarves up & tucked them away neatly in my hope chest. 

a warm weekend in the winter.

Having grown up in Texas summers were all year round except for this winter. It seems as if my fellow Texans had somewhat of a bitter cold winter, and some snow. By the way...35 degrees is bitter cold to them! haha! I have enjoyed reading all their posts on Facebook, and it's so fun to read the ones that add some humor in it. Especially since they know what bitter cold weather could possibly feel like...you know...like the ones we've been having on the east coast. It got as low as 9 degrees here. Can't get enough of them Nor'easters. 

Luckily we experienced some warmth and sunshine over the weekend, and I can't even begin to tell you how thrilled the kids were to finally soak it up in the sun! All winter long Noah's been constantly telling me to take him to the park. No matter where we drive in South Jersey he knows all the streets that connect to all the different parks we've gone to...and there are a lot here! He wouldn't care less if there is snow on the ground. I explained to him that it's still too cold to play outside, and once the snow is all melted then we can go. At one point I even went to one of the parks, and got out to show him that it was muddy, and slushy, and that the slides were super wet! I don't have that many towels to wipe them down (although I have done that before), but it was too cold to do that this time around. 

This past Saturday was absolutely beautiful! The skies were blue, and the weather was perfect! We went to a nearby park to let the kiddos release some energy. It didn't bother me that there was a lot of people Nahhhh...i'm already used to that. It's crowded like this every year whenever it's the first day of spring, or when the "first real sun" comes out after weeks of having snow. The kids were cavorting as if it was a big party! Running, (not skipping) toward the swings. You can tell some of these kids were cooped up a bit! For once, I didn't really notice any ill-mannered children, and it was nice seeing other kids play nice. 

Noah's favorite, (and I didn't even have to wipe it down) was the sliding down the slide...

And climbing to the top to get to the slide...

^^^ this is some weird contraption. I don't know what to call it, but the kids seem to love getting on it! ^^^

I saw Jon get on the "weird contraption" all by himself, and saw him turning around and around, but didn't get to vine, or record it. I was too busy laughing, and watching him act like a big kid. I then had Chelsea take some photos of us on it together. Don't think we fit, but who cares. Good thing I'm petite, and have small feet, because if I was any taller....I don't know.

^^^ my goofy hubby ^^^

^^^ and i love him! ^^^

This warm weekend really got me pumped up for spring. I am so grateful to live in a place where I can see, and feel the change of seasons. I do love the snow, and it looks like we're expecting some this week, but if it does...let's hope it melts by the end of this week!

Because Spring...we're all ready for you! 

Happy Monday y'all! 

The teepee is a happy place.

Growing up in a house the size of a small trailer with literally three rooms where the shower was outside you learned to just accept your living conditions, be grateful, humble, and make do with what you have. 

My mother, sister and I all shared one room with two beds until I was about ten. I didn't see anything wrong with it until I got older & realized that privacy was an issue. 

When my stepfather moved in it became extra crowded, but we all managed to make the sleeping arrangements work. Without adding any sadness to this story in regards to my stepdad the purpose of this post is to let y'all know that no matter how small or big your house is everyone can be happy with the little things (even sleeping inside a teepee.) 

Ever since Jon & I got married we've always lived in apartments. We started out living in a studio apartment down on south temple in Salt Lake City & the most interesting part of that studio was the Murphy bed that came out of the wall & the cutest little stove. I felt as if I was living in a small loft in NYC. We were pregnant at the time with our firstborn, & eventually knew that we'd need a bigger place once Sierra was born.

We then upgraded to a one bedroom & when Sierra became a toddler we had the privilege of living in a nice two bedroom basement apartment just a few blocks away from the home that President Monson grew up in (we were in his ward for almost two years.) 

Then the moving from state to state began & then we became a family of four in San Antonio where Lexie was born. The girls managed to share a room for almost five years, & because of it they are extremely close & get along so well. 

We transferred yet again this time to North  Carolina where we managed to score a really nice three bedroom apartment (which is very rare near Pinehurst.) That is when Sierra finally got her own bedroom. Not that she wanted it, but it was nice for her being a tween & all to have her own privacy. 

That's when Lexie & Chelsea began sharing a room & they have been pretty good roommates since then. 

After all those years of apartment living we managed to find a house in New Jersey, and have been living here now for almost six years. It was quite an adjustment having our own home, with no neighbors stomping above us, or having late night parties. We got so used to apartment living, sharing bedrooms, & neighbors just being neighbors. While our house isn't very big, it's quaint and cozy.   

Chelsea & Lexie had been sharing a room up until Sierra left for college. Now that Sierra is attending college out west both Noah & Chelsea have taken over her room. Lexie has her own space now upstairs, & I think deep down she enjoys her privacy (except when Sierra used to come home on weekends.)

We are grateful & humble for the experiences that our kids have learned all these years with all the moving around & living in different places which brings me to my favorite part of this story. 

Chelsea & Noah...although they bicker constantly were so excited when I assembled this teepee this teepee for them. It was a late "valentine" gift (due to the stupid snowstorm.) They wanted it to stay in the living room so that they could sit in it while watching cartoons, but I then moved it into their bedroom right next to Chelsea's bed.

This is Noah's happy place & I can see why. It looks so cozy & fun. A little piece of heaven where he can nap, read, & play their guitar. 

Noah slept in it last night & look how comfortable he looks. Makes me want to be tiny enough to climb in & sleep in it too. 

I have taught my kids that you don't need your own room, or a big bed to be fulfilled. I grew up in a small house where four of us slept in the same room with only two beds . I mean...back then my mom did what she had to do. I dealt with my upbringing & living conditions as a child, learned from them, & changed them a bit with how I married & raised my kids. 

I'm just so thankful that we have managed to keep a roof over our head where the kids are happy & resilient as to where they're going to sleep every night.

Having a boy has been so much fun, and I'm sure glad I invested in getting this teepee for him. So glad I did because he is loving it! 

Happy Friday everyone! 

Why i feel marrying within the same religion is so much easier.

One of the best parts of being a wife and parent is having a companion who shares the same beliefs as you, loves everything about you, doesn't disrespect, belittle, or controls you in any way. Punishes your children in any way except when strictness is necessary. Someone who equals you out in the best way possible. When your weak he's strong and vice versa. Someone who knows how to turn down the volume when the "mean mom" comes out. Someone with a heart so big, and forgiving that he's willing to do anything for you, or anyone without hesitation. 

Someone who listens. 

Someone who knew you way before your life was changed, and accepted everything about you even after you told him all about your dark secrets. Someone who has faith to entrust you in having his children no matter how rough your childhood was. Someone who's like a little kid himself who will drop everything to spend time with his own. Someone so spiritually strong who has the patience like Jobe to explain a certain verse, or chapter in the scriptures to the younger children that usually goes on for an extra 20 minutes! 

Someone who knows, and has a relationship with God. Someone who grew up with values you wish you had. And even though they made mistakes at some point...they know what repentance is & that it's there. Not to do it again, but that it's there to help rebuild your life. 

Someone who has the best attitude especially when times get rough. Who has so much faith & believes that good things happen not just to good people, but to everybody. Someone who is just simply the best in all that he does. 

Someone who picks the perfect family home evening lesson that is needed for your family (especially for that week!) Someone with a faith so strong that no matter what lows come your way he always manages to bring them up to an all time high. 

That someone is my eternal companion whom I've shared my life with for nearly 20 years, & he is the ultimate hero in our life. 

*****

Which brings to pass the purpose of this post, and reasons why I would like all my daughters to marry someone with their fathers attributes. Not everyone will be exactly like their father because there's only one of him. But they can find somebody who shares the same values, standards, and beliefs, as he does.

Some of you may think I'm being close minded & judgmental because I only want them to marry within the church, but if you were in my shoes having converted your life to Christ & a religion where they teach true principles...you'd want them to have those same exact values & marry someone within the same faith. 

I have heard stories on how hard it can be to be married to someone with a different religious background or nooooo religious background. And although their love is real, there may be times where deep down life can be such a stressor for them. The "active mormon" verses the "non-member spouse." Sure we may feel that we can be the "key" & example to help them convert, but think about it.....

Do you really want to wait five, 10, 20, 30, or 50 years for them to convert to christianity? And what if they never join the church in your lifetime...who's to say that they'll even accept Christ & the gospel in the hereafter. 

This is exactly why my passion in having my daughters marry within their faith which is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is so strong, and to meet someone who will understand why they believe in what they believe. If I don't feel connected with a boy that my daughters are dating it's not because I dislike them. It's because I just don't agree. Call me old fashioned, but in my eyes that doesn't make me a hypocrite, or a sinner. It makes me a strong, loving, & caring mother whose job in this life is to protect & look out for my girls...& eventually my son. 

Boy is he going to be a hard one to let go! 

Thankfully I have learned over, and over again that all children need to govern themselves. And I'm especially grateful that my firstborn has "seen the light" in knowing that getting serious with a nonmember can have some serious consequences. Their beliefs won't be yours, and yours won't be theirs. You can either go their way in jeopardizing everything you were taught to learn for yourself, or stand firm in what you believe in to have that special someone take you all the way to the eternities. 

Marriage requires a hell of a lot of work to begin with & when you two don't see eye to eye due to different beliefs that will cause problems which again will add more problems, and stress to your life.

I can never imagine how it is to be married to a nonmember, but I'll tell you this. I know how it feels to date someone who didn't understand why I no longer wanted to drink, smoke, or have sex. Clean fun was, and will always be my goal, and I want that goal for all of our children. I'm not perfect, never was, and never will be. I know what temptation feels like even after joining the church, but I thank God that there is repentance, and the chance to do it right. 

If my kids do end up marrying outside of their religion I want them to know that I will love them, and their spouse unconditionally. I will accept them because they are all children of a loving Heavenly Father. 

And if you happen to be married with someone who is not of your faith, and things are just  a-okay with them then that's awesome! Everyone is different. 

I count my blessings for the choice I made in marrying someone in my faith. We may have our ups, and downs but because we share the same beliefs it's easier for us to talk openly about our faith, and any problems we may have pertaining to "life." Communication is key to a great relationship, and because of that we always manage to lift each other up, and find a common ground to stand firm in our faith.

And I wouldn't have it any other way.

our "winter" Valentine's day weekend.

Is Valentines day a weekend for lovers? Yes and no. Some of us may be single with many friends to share it with, and some of us may have a significant other to celebrate it with. Fortunately I have a love in my life along with four children to make this holiday very special. Valentines day is one of my favorite holidays specifically because of the kids. Exchanging valentines with other kids at school was one of my favorite things to do when I was their age. I love teaching them about loving their fellow man no matter what, & that giving out valentines day cards to their friends at school (even to the kids that are mean) is teaching them unconditional love. 

Valentines day is not just for adults. It's also for the little people & these two had a grand time making valentines. Noah's art may not be mastered but he has the right concept when he draws a picture. We mailed cards, dropped off treats, and after a day of thinking of others it was our turn to have a date night. 

The day we saw The Saratov Approach movie we saw the trailer for Winter's Tale, and the fact that Jessica Brown Finlay (who played Lady Sybil in Downton Abbey) stars in it along with Colin Farrell made my heart swell, and I was sold! I had been counting the days till valentine's day for this magical looking movie to open. 

First of all I had no idea that this movie was going to be about angels & demons. Without giving too much of the movie away it was beautiful & absolutely stunning. There is a lot of love, hope, magic, and miracles in this film. It's an unabashedly love story with an ending that makes you realize what could possibly happen to us when we die, and in my opinion was an interesting rendition of good verses evil.

If you liked the movie "Ghost"...you'll definitely love Winter's Tale! 

*****

Attending the temple the day after was perfect! It was Valentine's Day weekend, we had just seen the perfect movie the night before, and we had our cute kids with us. We made it a priority to just take off and "run" to the temple! I felt so emotional this day. Winter can bring out the "blues" for some of us, but when you're at the temple no matter how busy, tired, or stressed your week, life is/was going to the temple takes all of that away. I know I write a lot about our trips to the temple, and that is because I have such a strong passion for it. The seasons pass us by way too quickly, and knowing that I made it to the temple this winter makes me extremely grateful that I made the time to go. 

Spring is coming pretty soon, and I look forward to the flowerbeds filled with different colored tulips, but on this day seeing the temple grounds covered with snow was a sight to see. It's amazing how looking at this timeless building in the winter brings me a different, but "fresh" perspective at my life right now.

This picture makes me so happy. Seeing these two hugging while the cold air is blowing with smiles on their faces gives me a surety that no matter how much they bicker they truly do love each other. Noah was too cold to stand outside for a long period of time, and so I quickly managed to capture this photo of him while cuddling on papas shoulder. Stubborn little boy wouldn't put his coat on. I asked him if he wanted his hat, and he said "I am wearing my hat mommy...it's my hoodie!" Silly boy.

Our lives seem so much calmer, peaceful when we leave the House of The Lord. Our feelings don't get hurt, and any offense made by another person whether it's family, a friend, neighbor, or even a member of our own congregation just passes us by. Nothing matters to us, but the love we share for others, by being a good example to those we meet, and come in contact with. Whether they feel our love for them is real is their choice. But I know that my love for each and every human being that I meet on this earth is real.

And that...my brothers and sisters is what the temple brings. Love, joy, & fulfillment. It truly makes us a better disciple of Christ, mother to my children, wife to my hubby, and friend to others.

Now two things you need to tryyyyyy to do this week..go watch Winter's Tale and attend the temple if you can! There's over 100 of them, and there's bound to be one where you live! If not...I don't think you'll have to wait much longer.

Happy Monday!